Korean Star Cha Eun-woo's Final Fan Meeting Before Military Service - Viral 'Soda Pop' Challenge Breaks Internet

Time of India

2 days ago

Just days before his military enlistment on July 28th, Korean heartthrob
Cha Eun-woo
delivered what might be the most memorable farewell performance in K-pop history. At his solo fan meeting 'THE ROYAL' held at Kyung Hee University's Peace Hall in Seoul on July 12th, the ASTRO member surprised fans by performing the viral 'Soda Pop' dance from the animated film 'K-pop Demon Hunters'.
The timing couldn't have been more perfect - or more emotional. This wasn't just any regular performance; it was Cha Eun-woo's final official domestic schedule before starting his military service with the Army's military band. The 20-second performance video has already surpassed 1.5 million views on YouTube, with fans from around the world showering it with comments like "This is the real-life version of the animation" and "Cha Eun-woo is different".
What made this moment even more special was Cha Eun-woo's outfit - a regal, prince-like uniform that perfectly complemented his ethereal visuals. After performing the choreography with precision, his shy gesture of turning away bashfully sent the entire venue into a frenzy. For Indian fans who understand the emotional weight of a favorite star's farewell, this performance hit differently - it was like watching Shah Rukh Khan bid goodbye before a long hiatus, knowing you won't see him for years.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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The Animation Comes to Life
The significance of this performance goes beyond just entertainment. Director Maggie Kang had previously revealed that Cha Eun-woo was the actual model for Jin-woo, the main vocalist of the fictional boy group 'Lion Boys' in the animated film. Seeing him perform the character's signature dance was like watching fiction merge with reality - a moment that felt almost surreal for fans who had been waiting for this crossover.
The animated film, which topped the streaming charts globally since its June 20th release, tells the story of K-pop superstars who secretly use their supernatural abilities to protect fans from otherworldly threats when they're not performing. The OST has been phenomenally successful, with seven songs simultaneously entering the Billboard Hot 100 chart - a historic achievement that mirrors how Bollywood soundtracks can dominate multiple chart positions.
The Challenge That United the Industry
The 'Soda Pop' challenge has become a cultural phenomenon that transcends individual fandoms. Major K-pop acts like BTS member RM, who hummed along to the song during a live broadcast, alongside groups like BOYNEXTDOOR, RIIZE, and ZEROBASEONE have all participated in the challenge. Even MONSTA X members Hyungwon, Kihyun, and Jooheon created a version of 'Your Idol' that garnered 9.6 million views on TikTok.
The challenge's appeal lies in its accessibility - the choreography is catchy yet simple enough for anyone to attempt, similar to how viral Bollywood dance steps spread across social media.
Female groups like NMIXX's Lily and TWICE members Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung have also joined in, with their performances reaching tens of millions of views.
What's particularly touching is how this challenge has become a way for the industry to celebrate not just the animated film's success, but also to honor Cha Eun-woo's contribution to K-pop before his military service. It's a collective farewell that shows the supportive nature of the Korean entertainment industry.